Europe – Page 380 – Prologue Journal

George Cohon, Who Brought Big Macs to Moscow, Dies at 86

New York Times He was chairman of McDonald’s in Canada and in Russia, where he opened the chain’s first restaurant in 1990, engaging in what he called “hamburger diplomacy.” https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/12/business/george-cohon-dead.html

Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda Plan Is Approved by U.K. Parliament

New York Times The British prime minister’s contentious proposal to send asylum seekers to the African country moved forward a step, but it still faces potential stumbling blocks before becoming law. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/12/world/europe/sunak-rwanda-asylum-plan.html

Donald Tusk, a Man of Eclectic Identities, Returns to Power in Poland

New York Times The opposition leader was endorsed by Parliament as the country’s next prime minister, unseating the right-wing Law and Justice party that had long denounced him as unfit to rule. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/12/world/europe/donald-tusk-poland-prime-minister.html

How Much Military Aid the U.S. Has Given to Ukraine

New York Times Here’s a look at the assistance the United States has provided for Ukraine’s defense and the political debate about whether more should be sent. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/12/us/politics/ukraine-us-military-aid.html

Vatican Eases Rules on Preserving Cremation Ashes

New York Times Families may keep a “minimal” part of the ashes in a place of significance to the deceased, but the remainder must be placed in a sacred place such as a cemetery. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/12/world/europe/vatican-cremation-ashes-catholics.html

There Are Ghosts High Above Us, With Colors That Come From Space

New York Times Scientists captured new imagery of atmospheric phenomena that occur during some lightning storms, offering clues into how they form. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/12/science/ghosts-lightning-iron.html

E.U. Moves to Tap Frozen Russian Assets to Help Ukraine

New York Times A plan to use interest earned on frozen Russian central bank assets could provide up to 15 billion euros for Ukraine, but faces hurdles before final approval. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/12/business/eu-russia-frozen-assets-ukraine.html

France Plans to Lure FIFA With Promise of Tax-Free Home

New York Times A plan to persuade sports federations to move to the country could save them millions. Supporters and critics of the proposal say it is intended to tempt one governing body in particular. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/12/world/europe/fifa-france.html

Finland Partly Reopens Its Border With Russia

New York Times The Nordic country, which recently joined NATO, has accused Moscow of funneling migrants to their shared land border. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/12/world/europe/finland-border-russia.html

British Museum Details Extent of Stolen and Damaged Items

New York Times Parts of some missing objects have probably been sold to scrap metal merchants, museum administrators say. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/12/arts/design/british-museum-missing-items.html